Malcolm Thomas was a centre who played 27 times for Wales and also toured twice with the British Lions. His versatility was such that he was often switched between centre and wing, and was also a good place kicker and a robust tackler.

He played for the Navy after the war, and then joined Newport, as well as representing Cornwall and Monmouthshire. His international debut came in 1949, and the following season he was an ever-present when Wales won the Grand Slam. He was dropped in 1953 as the selectors believed he had become stale, and in 1954-55 he broke his leg at the start of the season. But he was resilient enough to return not only to club rugby but also to the national side.

He also played cricket for Cornwall, once scoring 50 against Surrey at The Oval.